If you own a vehicle with a center channel, the integration experts at Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton have developed a tried-and-true process that will improve the performance of your sound system. In most cases, a sound system that includes a speaker in the center of the dash also includes an upmixer. Knowing how to work with these technologies is the key to creating an amazing listening experience for everyone in the vehicle. Let’s look at what an upmixer does and how we work with it.
What is an Upmixer?
An upmixer is a signal processing system that is capable of extracting audio information from a two-channel recording to create additional channels. In most applications, the result of the processing is a 5.1 or 7.1 system. Upmixers derive center channel information by analyzing the stereo audio signal for content that is equal in amplitude and phase in both channels of the original recording. Some upmixers leave some amount of that information in the left and right output channels and other, more-modern systems – like Bose Centerpoint and Harman’s Quantum Logic Surround – remove that information.
Side and rear output channels generally use out-of-phase information in the original left and right channels. The latest processing algorithms are also capable of detecting audio content that appears to have reflected off walls in the original recording. This content is similar in spectral balance but lower in amplitude than the sound produced directly from the instrument or performer. When designed and executed properly, systems with upmixers create a very lifelike listening experience.
Think about a high-quality stereo recording of a concert. Listening to that recording in a vehicle with an upmixer should accurately place each performer across a virtual soundstage and across the dashboard of the vehicle. Most importantly, the performance is equal for the driver and passenger. This listening experience is something that a simple two-channel system cannot achieve.
How Do We Work with a Center Channel?
Not everyone has the equipment and experience to work on premium factory systems like these. Our team has invested a significant amount of time in developing a clear understanding of how these processors work. Our process takes into account what audio information is present on each channel of the OEM-installed sound system to ensure predictable results and happy customers every time.
After completing a series of tests to verify the configuration of your audio system, we design an upgrade that embraces the signal processing that the OEM audio supplier has worked so hard to perfect, and improves on areas where they fall short. We install much-better speakers and more-powerful amplifiers, and add a premium subwoofer to create a system with amazing dynamics, impact and realism.
Many retailers with little experience in upgrading these systems will attempt to use only the left and right channels to upgrade a client’s audio system. If the factory upmixer has removed the center channel information from the left and right channels, well, you can imagine how much information will be missing in the new system. The same philosophy applies to dealing with side and rear channels.
Expert Equipment Integration
Once the system design process is complete and we have your approval, only then do we begin work on integrating the new equipment into your vehicle. Everything we install maintains the integrity of your vehicle. We don’t cut panels or drill holes all over your car. We re-use factory equipment mounting locations and fasteners wherever possible and ensure that every component is easily accessible for tuning or adjustments. We route wiring along factory channels to ensure everything looks and feels like your car just rolled off the assembly line. We carefully integrate audio system controls and switches into the cosmetics and “feel” of the vehicle.
We ensure that you understand where and how we will be mounting each component long before we turn the first screw. If you need to save room for luggage, golf clubs, groceries or a load of lumber, we ensure that the installation considers those requirements.
Results of Upgrading an Audio System with a Center Channel
Are you tired of your music distorting when you turn up the volume? Are you frustrated with bass that sounds thin and lifeless? If you want your mobile sound system to sound like a world-class recording studio or a live performance, then visit the factory audio system integration experts at Adrenaline Autosound near Raleigh.
For more information about our audio system upgrades or to schedule a consultation, we invite you to give us a call or send us an e-mail using our contact page.